The Weight of the Axe in Axe Throwing: How Heavy Should It Be?

How heavy is the axe in axe throwing?
The official axe of the Axe Throwing League. It has a wooden handle, weighs 1.5 pounds and measures 14 inches. It starts at an average distance from the target (around 14 feet).
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Axe throwing is a thrilling and difficult hobby that calls for expertise, accuracy, and the proper tools. The weight of the axe is one of the most crucial aspects in axe throwing because it has a big impact on your performance and success. This article will examine the optimal weight for a throwing axe as well as the suitability of Douglas fir as a throwing axe material.

How Much Weight Is a Throwing Axe?

Depending on the axe’s design and use, a throwing axe’s weight can change. A throwing axe typically weighs 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (0.7 to 1.1 kg) and measures 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) in length. The axe’s weight is important because it affects how much force is required to throw it precisely and powerfully.

Axes used in axe throwing contests typically need to fall within a certain weight range. For instance, the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) demands that axes have a length of 16 to 19 inches (40 to 48 cm), and a weight of 1.5 to 1.75 pounds (0.7 to 0.8 kg). Similar specifications are set forth by the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF), with axes needing to weigh between 1.25 and 1.75 pounds (0.6 to 0.8 kg) and be 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm) in length.

Can You Throw An Axe With Douglas Fir?

A typical kind of wood used in construction and furniture manufacturing is douglas fir. It’s not the ideal option, though, for axe throwing. Softwoods like Douglas fir have a high propensity to split, making them potentially dangerous for axe throwing. The risk of harm increases when using a wooden target made of Douglas fir because the axe may bounce back or deflect in unanticipated ways.

For axe throwing targets, hardwoods like maple, oak, and birch are preferable. These woods can take repeated blows from the axe without breaking or splitting because they are strong and dense. They also give the axe a consistent surface to stick to, which facilitates accurate aim and throwing.

In conclusion, the axe’s weight is an important consideration while throwing an axe. A throwing axe should be 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) long and weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 pounds (0.7 to 1.1 kg). Choosing the proper kind of wood for the target is also crucial; Douglas fir is a softwood, while hardwoods like maple, oak, and birch are favored. You can take part in the thrilling and difficult sport of axe throwing by utilizing the proper gear and adhering to safety regulations.